Question

What's the difference between The Laughing Buddha and Gautama Buddha?

Answer 1

HERE IS YOUR ANSWER
By fat Buddha, I assume you're talking about Budai, or as famously known the Laughing Buddha.
I am also assuming that you are referring to Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism as the regular Buddha.

Laughing Buddha, or Fat Buddha, or Budai is believed to be an incarnation of Maitreya, a Bodhisattva, who will appear sometime in future, gain complete enlightenment, and guide people to dharma when they all seem to have forgotten it.

Gautam Buddha, the one you are referring to as, 'regular Buddha' has already been born, achieved enlightenment, and died. He is the founder of Buddhism, and the 25th Bodhisattva of Buddhism. He led people on the path of Dharma.

Basically, they are two different people, one already born and dead, other yet to be born. Great people though.
HOPE IT'S HELP YOU!! !!

Answer 2

Laughing Buddha is an incarnation of Maitreya .

Gautama Buddha is the founder of Buddhism .

Laughing Buddha referred to Budai has not yet achieved Enlightenment.

Gautama Buddha has achieved Enlightenment .

MORE INFO ON BUDDHA:

↪ Gautama Buddha was born in a royal family .

↪ He was born in a royal family .

↪ After seeing the sufferings of may men , he could not live a luxurious life .

↪ He went to seek the answers of his questions and went for meditation .

↪ He led a life of self denial in order to achieve enlightenment .